February 26, 2024
Dear Friend,
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This week’s newsletter has got something for everyone. If you, like me, love your Lake County Forest Preserves, then I have good news for you. Maple Syrup Hikes are back at Ryerson Woods! You’ll find details below along with updates on the progress of several of the Forest Preserves’ key initiatives.
Primary Election Day 2024 is March 19, and early voting is open now. Now is also a great time to request your vote by mail ballot so you can avoid Election Day lines and delays.
Lake County is committed to making it easier for all county residents to use non-motorized transportation whenever time and conditions allow. Below you can read about programs you can take advantage of now to help you make the shift to electric vehicles. You’ll also find details about plans the county is putting in place now to ensure more shared use paths are accessible in the future.
I was delighted earlier this month to join several other Lake County Board members at the National Association of Counties’ Legislative Conference in Washington, DC where I had the honor of monitoring a panel that included Tierra Lemon, Director of Lake County’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative.
Director Lemon presented our one-of-a-kind model that’s designed to reduce all types of violence in Lake County communities while simultaneously addressing its root causes. She joined the directors of the new White House Office of Violence Prevention on the panel to share our cutting-edge approach to peacemaking with elected officials and administrators from all over the country.
You’ll find all of the above and more in this week’s newsletter. If you would like to learn more, please contact me at sknizhnik@lakecountyil.gov. I would love to hear from you.
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Lake County Government News
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Board Members Present at National Legislative Conference
I recently was invited to serve as a featured panelist and lead a session on gun violence at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. Joining me to lead another session at the conference was fellow County Board Member Jennifer Clark, who spoke about broadband access.
Lake County continues to be a leader and show its dedication to affecting change in both our county and country by driving discussions to address pressing issues for counties across the U.S. Learn more
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Board Members Advocate for Capital Priorities Projects
While in Washington D.C. for the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart and Legislative Committee Chair John Wasik met with several Illinois members of Congress to advocate for funding for Lake County’s 2024 Capital Priorities projects.
Lake County's Capital Priorities are projects that could potentially be eligible for federal funding. The projects aim to improve public safety and transportation, spur economic development, provide clean water, mitigate flood-prone areas, and protect and enhance our natural environment. Read the news release to learn more
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It’s Almost Time to Apply for Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth Employment Program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences at various work sites for about 175 young people this summer.
Applications will be accepted starting Friday, March 1 through April 20 at the Job Center of Lake County website. Work opportunities will begin June 17. Learn more, including the qualifications to apply to join this program.
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ROE Program is Named Finalist in National Education Showcase
The Lake County Regional Office of Education’s Illinois Virtual Schools and Academy (IVSA) program was announced as one of the Top 10 finalists in the 2024 Education Innovation Showcase. The IVSA was chosen as a Top 5 finalist in the impact category. The Education Innovation Showcase honors K-12 education system leaders advancing innovation in their community and fostering meaningful change. Learn more
Public Works News
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New Upgrade to Help Keep Algae Out of Water Reclamation Facility
The Lake County Public Works Department is currently in the Design Phase of a project to install new clarifier covers at the Vernon Hills (NCT) Water Reclamation Facility that serves our area. The covers help keep algae out of the facility’s clarifiers, which are large tanks that help remove solids from wastewater.
Removing algae buildup is important, but very time consuming, so this project will greatly improve efficiencies and provide better maintenance and operations at the facility. Learn more
Transportation News
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 See Shared Use Paths Planned for the Future
You can now view the shared use paths that are currently available and planned by Lake County for the future through an interactive map. Planned shared use paths in the Lake County Division of Transportation's (LCDOT) 5-Year Plan are shown in purple on the map, and paths in the 2040 Non-Motorized Plan are shown in red.
Learn more about the County’s existing and planned shared use paths
Construction Update on Aptakisic Road
Warm winter weather has allowed work to continue on Aptakisic Road. Utility work is ongoing as gas mains are being removed and replaced on the south side of Aptakisic Road.
While most of the work taking place right now is in the closed lanes, we urge motorists to continue driving carefully through this area. Be aware of flaggers working and trucks entering and exiting the job site. Motorists should expect delays throughout this project. Learn more
Sustainability News
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Bin Added in Lake Zurich to Accept Clothing and Textile Donations
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has added two more locations in Lake Zurich and Port Barrington where you can drop off your new and gently used clothing and textiles to be recycled or reused.
There are 72 collection bins across the county where you can bring men, women and children’s clothing. New and gently used items will be reused, and worn, torn and stained items will be recycled or upcycled. Help divert these materials responsibly and keep them out of the landfills.
View the full list of clothing and textiles drop-off locations
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New Programs to Help Remove Barriers to EV
ComEd has unveiled two new programs that are geared toward removing barriers to electric vehicles (EV) and charging availability and furthering the goal of widespread transportation electrification, a key goal outlined in the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
The first is a residential rebate program, where residents can receive up to a $3,750 rebate on Level 2 EV charging equipment and installation costs. Learn more about the program and apply today.
Business owners and public entities can get up to $180,000 in rebates for electrifying their vehicles. Plus, they may be eligible to receive up to $8,000 per port in rebates for make-ready electrical charging infrastructure for L2 chargers and up to $1,000/kW for infrastructure serving DCFC chargers. Learn more about the business and public sector rebate program.
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Election News
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New Voter Cards Are Being Mailed
The Lake County Clerk's Office is gearing up to mail out new voter cards to individuals whose Election Day polling sites have changed. If you're one of these voters, keep an eye on your mailbox for these important notices.
Ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is crucial for a smooth voting experience, so review your new voter card carefully and make note of any changes. Access your personalized and up-to-date voter information at LakeVoterPower.Info.
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Get Help
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Use 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 languages. Learn more
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Job Center of Lake County Is Your Career Solution
The Job Center of Lake County can help you to transition careers, identify job opportunities and connect with employers.
Watch this video to learn more about the virtual and onsite resources that are available to all job seekers through the Job Center partners. And view the full Job Center calendar to learn about upcoming events and resources.
Check Hire Lake County
Visit Hire Lake County for information about job opportunities and businesses vetted by the Job Center’s business service team.
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Forest Preserve News
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Key Initiatives Updated
At a recent meeting of the Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee, staff at the Forest Preserves provided updates on key initiatives:
-- All public-facing departments now have Spanish-speaking staff to improve communication and foster inclusion.
-- The District’s Herbicide Guide was recently printed in Spanish. An updated printed Map and Guide will follow.
-- The Education Center at Ryerson Woods and Duck Farm Off-leash Dog Area are opening soon. Both feature major improvements in ADA accessibility over the previous facilities. Similar improvements are underway at Lakewood Forest Preserve.
-- The racial and ethnic demographic breakdown of the District’s recruitment continues to come into alignment with county demographic data from the 2020 census.
-- The introduction of sensory hours at the Dunn Museum has been a success, demonstrating dedication to creating inclusive experiences for all visitors.
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Maple Syrup Hikes Planned
For more than four decades, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led wildly popular Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Each March, families, school groups and scout troops learn about the process of converting sap from the preserve's towering sugar maple trees into sweet syrup.
The springtime tradition kicks off on Saturday, March 2. Hikes start at the Ryerson Welcome Center and are offered on Saturdays and Sundays through March 17. Led by Lake County Forest Preserves educators and volunteers, the one-hour hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. and are open to all ages. Read more »
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Meet New On-site Caterer
John Eggert, owner of Relish Catering Kitchen in Schaumburg, is expanding his business. He is the new on-site caterer operating Relish Events at Independence Grove, located within the Libertyville forest preserve.
"We strive to synchronize our menus with the ambiance of the space," Eggert explained. "Our goal is to harmonize the food options with the midwestern prairie-style atmosphere." Prioritizing local ingredients whenever feasible is important to the company. The business owner is inspiring his chef to unleash creativity. “We plan to serve menu items that are truly Instagram-worthy." Discover more »
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Community News and Events
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Don’t Miss the February Flavor Festival
Now through Thursday, Feb. 29, Visit Lake County has combined the Lake County Restaurant Week and Libation Trail initiatives into one taste-tempting month-long event, the February Flavor Festival.
Restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries provide exclusive dining offers, fare and drink pairings, chef demonstrations, innovative libation concoctions, live entertainment and more. The focus is encouraging residents to generate foot traffic to the cuisine makers in their hometowns and across the land of lakes. Learn more
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Watch County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule.
All meetings are recorded and are posted on the Lake County website.
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